The Gospel for this coming Sunday is the story of the Road to Emmaus. It's an account of events that took place in the afternoon on Easter Sunday. Two disciples are headed to Emmaus (away from Jerusalem), and while on their way a man who seems clueless about the recent events in Jerusalem joins them. They don't recognize that it the Risen Christ. As they are walking, the man (Jesus) opens the Scriptures to them. Once they reach Emmaus, Jesus acts as though he's going to continue on his way. The disciples want him to stay and invite him into the house. (He was waiting for the invitation.) It is in the house where Jesus took bread, said the blessing and broke it. It wasn't until the breaking of the bread that the disciples recognized that it was truly Jesus.
In these days of pandemic and quarantine, we can feel a lot like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We had plans for Spring Break, we had plans for summer, we had activities planned for our children and our extended families. But now our expectations have had to change. We - like the disciples - are confused and maybe fearful. We are trying to process what we're experiencing and are filled with lots of questions. Maybe we've even lost hope. Are our prayers being heard? What is God's plan in this? Will we ever understand the big picture?
In Romans 8:24-25 St. Paul says, "in hope we were saved . . . if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance." As Christians, our hope lies in the resurrection. While it may seem a global pandemic is hopeless, we cannot lose hope. As we continue this different way of life, let us turn to the Scriptures as a our source of hope.
As your family prepares for attending Mass - virtually - this Sunday, take time as a family to read and reflect on the Scriptures.
Reflection Questions:
- How are you like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus?
- Where have you seen Christ accompany you this week?
- Where do you need to invite Christ into your life?
- Is there someone who needs you to accompany them this week?
